"Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost." - Helen Keller

This famous saying has been portrayed in many different ways throughout time. Some of the words change; some disappear completely, and some have even become memorable lyrics in pop songs. However you say it, the meaning remains the same, and it also remains true.

When I first left high school, I went and did a course which some of my friends were also doing. I didn't really have any interest in doing it, but I was suffering from that awful feeling where you just don't know what you want to do with your life. I was too silly and too inexperienced to know, and I couldn't just sit at home doing nothing.

So I went along with my friend; with a main interest being what food they sold in the Cafť. and what cute bag and stationery I could take with me. I did not do well in this course. No surprises there. After a stressful last year of school, I wanted to relax and just have a good time. I would arrive late to class; the teacher was mean and rude; and had bad breath, and somehow in my head I justified my lack of drive to this. I didn't listen in the classes or do the work or homework. I preferred to imagine my wedding to my boyfriend...not a total waste as he is now my husband. Not productive at all for the course though, or for my academic and financial future.

It wasn't until I was told that I would have to redo some subjects in order to pass, was the moment when I started to panic. At first I cried at the thought of this. Then I became angry trying to convince myself and others that it was the teachers fault. She was too mean; too rude; sped through the topics; her voice was annoying; she never liked me - blah, blah, blah. Finally I realised I didn't do well because I didn't put the effort in. I cruised along with no interest in the course, and was lazy the whole way through. What did I expect? No effort = nothing gained. I didn't put in anything, therefore I didn't receive a qualification out of it.

It doesn't matter what the task is, how important it is or if it's a large or small task as another famous saying goes if it's worth doing it's worth doing well. This reminds me of a quote from The Bible. The point is this: "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.' -%% 2 Corinthians 9:6

Taught to me throughout my Catholic schooling, this really does ring true.

The concept applies to every aspect of our lives. Our work; our family life or friends; our relationships; our experiences, and our learning of the world around us. By putting in the effort, the time and consideration we can only then reap the rewards.

Imagine a couple. One is a good listener; helps the other; supports them; cares for them; is affectionate to them and willing to compromise while the other rarely provides any kind of support; chooses to spend time and effort on other things; doesn't wish to listen; pulls away and believes the other should care for themselves. What benefits will the inattentive partner reap? Surely this lack of effort into the relationship will ultimately cause it to fail, or at the very least make for a very unhappy existence.

If we tell ourselves it's all too hard and we simply cannot be bothered, then perhaps we need to question why we are doing it in the first place. Perhaps it's not the right path for us? Perhaps it's not the right time? By telling ourselves such things, we are building negative thoughts within our own minds. With such negative thoughts, how will we ever succeed and gain good outcomes and rewards?

The sense of power you will feel, and the elation from such an achievement will make all the hard work, time and effort worth it.

Go reap your rewards. They are waiting for you.

It takes hard work to cash checks So don't be fooled by the rocks that I got they assetsYou get back what you put out Even if you take the good route Can't count the hood out- lyrics from 'Jenny from the block' by Jennifer Lopez (aka JLo)

. 'Don't give up, You've got a reason to live, Can't forget you only get what you give'.-song lyrics from 'You get what you give' by New Radicals.